LOWFODMAP Journey

Today marks the day of the start of our Low FODMAP adventure.  I am calling it an adventure to try to put a positive spin on what is going to be a long couple of months.  Derek and I started seeing an amazing functional medicine doctor at the beginning of the year to really get our health on track.  We went for a variety of reasons, one of them being digestive issues and discomfort.  Without sharing TMI, for the longest time we have been very bloated, gassy, and spending too much time in the bathroom.  After some tests, it turns out we both have SIBO (small intestine bacteria overgrowth).  The treatment for this is 10 days of strong antibiotics and then following a Low FODMAP diet for 3 months.  If you do a quick google search of this diet you will find it is pretty restrictive.  Not only are some foods just totally not allowed, but most have to be precisely measured out and not paired with other FODMAP containing foods.  Some of my absolutely favorite and go to foods are banned (cauliflower, brussel sprouts, broccoli, avocado, onions, garlic).  Thankfully Derek and I will be doing this together which takes away some of the stress.  We won’t really be too much fun in social environments since we can’t eat out but we have a long list of movies to watch. 

My plan is to share this journey with you guys, to share what is easy, what is hard, and tips and tools that help us along the way.  It is going to be a long couple of months.  I have to be very on top of cooking and meal prepping.  I can’t come home on a Friday night and be lazy and order in food.  Something that I have discovered that is already making this process easier is The Gut Program.  The Gut Program is a company that tailors LowFODMAP boxes to people’s needs.  I just received my first box and was blow away by how amazing and helpful it is.  I am so excited to be working with The Gut Program on this “adventure”.

Inside of our box was TONS of approved food items and snacks.  There are some companies that specifically make Low FODMAP foods (I will get more into them later) and also other companies that have products that just happen to work with the diet.  There were bars, chips, popcorn, baking supplies, beverages, snacks, pasta, bread and lots more.  I felt such a spark of hope when opening my box knowing that there are products out there that can help make this easier.

Another thing inside the box was a folder with the best information.  There is a list of all the products in the box, why they are low FODMAP, where you can find them and also a warning if there are other products by the brand that are not approved.  This is so helpful because I could totally see myself being like “oh this is approved let me check out some other flavors.”  The other thing included in the folder was a list of recipes.  Not boring and bland recipes, but hearty, yummy sounding recipes.  There was one for a cinnamon berry crumble, banana and peanut butter ice cream, salmon and peanut stir-fry, and many more.  The recipe instructions are also so simple that I know I can totally handle them (I am not the most skilled in the kitchen).

Yes, this journey is going to be long.  At times, I am going to want to say screw it and stop.  I am going to get lazy and frustrated and not want to spend my weekend meal prepping.  What is going to help me get through it is the support of my husband and also knowing that we are doing something that ultimately is going to make us feel SO much better.  When your body and your gut feel right, this corresponds to so many other areas of your life.  I am excited to feel my absolute best, physically and mentally.  If you want to check The Gut Program out for yourself hit up their website and you can find all the info you need. If you want to order your own box, you can use my link! http://www.thegutprogram.com?aff=6

 Would love to hear any stories or tips from others out there on this same journey.  Let’s do this!

Fitness, healthalex curtis